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How DirecTV Now compares to other online TV services

Devon Terrell plays Barack Obama in a scene from “Barry,” which arrives on Netflix Dec. 16. This biopic looks back at Obama’s formative years at Columbia University amid the racial tensions and crime of New York in 1981.(Photo: Netflix)

DirecTV Now joins Sling and PlayStation Vue as an online cable replacement. These can be cheaper than traditional cable, but not always by much. They’re not as complete, as they don’t provide broadcast networks ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC in all locations and sometimes lack a DVR. And you’ll need an additional streaming gadget to watch on a TV set.

Typical cable deals get you hundreds of channels, including the major networks, sports channels, niche options like the horror-focused Chiller and premium channels like HBO. Online services, individually, are cheaper, but you may need several to get everything you like to watch.

Some of the biggest internet TV options

Dish’s Sling TV

Price: Starts at $20 a month.

Live offering: Two separate, “skinny” bundles of general-interest channels. Both cost less than $30, but each are missing some popular networks. A $40 service combines those. Add-on packs tailored to interests like kids and sports and premium channels like HBO cost extra.

On demand: No DVR, although it’s coming for some users in December. There is on-demand video for some programs so you can catch up on missed episodes.

Restrictions: The $20 service allows just one stream at a time, the $25 one gets three. Only people in some cities can get broadcast networks, and CBS isn’t available at all. NFL blackouts on mobile devices.

Sony’s Playstation Vue

Price: Starts at $30 a month. Starts at $40 if you live in Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia and San Francisco, because there are more live broadcast feeds available in those cities.

Live offering: A core bundle of roughly 45 general-interest networks; bigger packages offer more sports, movies and some other channels. No Viacom networks like Nickelodeon, BET, Comedy Central or MTV.

On demand: A DVR so you can fast-forward through commercials, but shows expire after 28 days. Also on-demand episodes when they’re available.

Restrictions: Only people in some cities can get broadcast networks live. Not all channels are available when you leave your home; neither are recorded shows.

Directv Now

Live offering: A core bundle of roughly 60 general-interest networks. The bigger packages offer more sports, movies and some other channels.

On demand: No DVR, although it’s expected next year. Some episodes are available on demand.

Restrictions: Only people in some cities can get ABC, NBC and Fox live, and you can’t watch NBC live on a TV set. No CBS or CW. NFL blackouts on mobile devices. Doesn’t work with Roku yet, although AT&T says that’s coming, or with PlayStation or Xbox. Two streams at a time.

Finding a niche

There are also dozens of apps that cater to niche tastes. They focus on one interest or sport, whether that’s anime, WWE wrestling or Lifetime movies. There are also apps that are the digital version of a cable channel, although they aren’t equivalents.

CBS All Access

Price: $6 a month, or $10 for a version without ads for most on-demand shows.

Live offering: The CBS feed is available in about 150 markets, and includes NFL football games that air on CBS starting on Dec. 4.

On demand: Day-after access to shows (note that this is available to anyone, for free, on computers and phones). Current and past seasons for many shows, although some, like the hit “The Big Bang Theory” and “Criminal Minds,” only have the most recent episodes available. A few originals, including “Star Trek: Discovery,” which debuts in January.